In a significant boost for south-east London, Chancellor Rachel Reeves has used the budget to confirm the long-awaited extension of the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Thamesmead. The project, which received a welcome in the full budget document, is set to be funded through borrowing by Transport for London (TfL) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Route Details and Economic Impact
The ambitious plan involves extending the DLR line from its current terminus at Gallions Reach, which is located near London City Airport. The extension will feature the creation of two new stations – one in Beckton and another in Thamesmead itself. A crucial part of the project is the construction of a new tunnel underneath the River Thames, which will physically link these two new stations.
London Mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, has enthusiastically welcomed the confirmation. He stated that the extension "will not only transform travel in a historically under-served part of the capital but also unlock thousands of new jobs and homes, boosting the economy not just locally but nationally." The Treasury echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the project delivers "the building blocks for boosting growth, putting more pounds in pockets."
The economic potential is substantial. It is estimated that the development could unlock land for 25,000 new homes and create up to 10,000 new jobs. Furthermore, the area's transformation is projected to generate nearly £18bn of private investment.
Journey Times and Project Timeline
For residents, the travel benefits will be transformative. Current journeys from Thamesmead into the City of London can take around an hour. With the new DLR link, this is expected to be slashed to between 35 and 40 minutes. Key destinations will become far more accessible, with Stratford reachable in approximately 25 minutes and London Bridge in about 30 minutes.
Transport for London has indicated that when the extension is complete, customers can expect a train service every 8-10 minutes to and from both Thamesmead and Beckton. However, TfL has also issued a warning that the additional services could lead to increased crowding on trains as both existing and new residents begin to use the extended line.
The project comes with a significant price tag of £1.7 billion. According to TfL, construction is scheduled to begin as early as 2028, with the new lines anticipated to open to the public in 2030. The transport body has emphasised that government support is essential for a project of this scale.
Broader Implications for Thamesmead
The confirmation of the DLR extension is a pivotal moment for the future of Thamesmead. The site of the proposed station is one of the last remaining undeveloped waterfront locations in the capital. Its potential had been formally recognised by the government's New Towns Taskforce, which had recommended Thamesmead as a potential site for a new town to meet housing demand.
Critically, that report made it clear that such a designation was entirely contingent on the DLR extension being approved, stating that "without this being the case, Thamesmead Waterfront's opportunity cannot be realised." With the budget confirmation, a major hurdle has been cleared, paving the way for a new chapter of growth and connectivity for this part of London.
